Dilla Academy

✨ Ultimate Period Hair & Wigs CPD programme ✨

Our CPD-certified Ultimate Period Hair & Wigs training is now delivered across 4 weekends, making it easier to fit around work while still giving you in-depth, hands-on training.

The course is taught by the incredible West End Theatre designer, Film & TV hair specialist with 30+ years of industry experience.

You can complete the full course to achieve your CPD accreditation, or choose specific eras depending on the skills you’d like to develop.

📚 Course eras include:
• Victorian & Edwardian
• 1930s & 1940s
• 1950s & 1960s
• 1970s & 1980s

Designed for hair & makeup artists working in, or looking to move into TV, film and theatre, this course helps you build essential period styling skills while connecting with others in the industry.

📅 Starting 2nd May
👩‍🏫 Small classes (max 4 students)
🎓 CPD accredited training

Comment or DM “PERIOD HAIR” to book your spot

🎬 Trainee Pathways: TV, Film & Media Makeup 🎬

Already qualified in makeup but still unsure how to actually break into TV, film and media? This course is designed for artists who want to understand how the industry really works, and what it takes to get on set.

Learn how to become an invaluable asset on set, what designers really want, how to stand out, and how to keep getting booked.

Led by Steph Elkins, an experienced TV & film designer, supervisor and hair & makeup artist with credits including Brassic, Hollyoaks and Peaky Blinders. Steph progressed from trainee to designer, bringing real on-set insight and industry expectations into the classroom.

You’ll cover:
🎭 Career progression & entry routes – how to get your first jobs and build contacts
📍 On-set professionalism – hierarchy, etiquette, communication and set behaviour
📸 Continuity & scripts – tracking continuity and understanding what production expects
🗂️ Workflow & organisation – makeup room setup, file management and product awareness

If you’re serious about working in TV & film, this is the course that bridges the gap between qualification and career.

We know people work and have busy schedules, so our courses are designed to be short and easy to fit in. Training is tailored to all skill levels, and we’re happy to adapt the course if there’s something specific you’d like to focus on.

DM to enquire

🔥 SFX Prosthetics & Casting (2-Day Intensive) 🔥

Want to learn how prosthetics are really made and applied for TV, film and professional SFX work? This hands-on 2-day course takes you through the full process from sculpt to skin.

Over two days you’ll cover:

🧱 Sculpting & moulding – step-by-step creation of a small prosthetic
🧪 Silicone casting & detailing – layering, colouring and texture techniques
🎭 Application & blending – professional adhesion, seamless edges and realistic colour matching

Led by Darren Longthorne, prosthetics designer, sculptor and SFX educator with 38+ years of industry experience, with credits including Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Coronation Street, Brassic, Inside No. 9, World on Fire and more, working with major names such as Netflix, Amazon, BBC, ITV and Sky.

We know people work and have busy schedules, so our courses are designed to be short and easy to fit in. Training is tailored to all skill levels, and we’re happy to adapt the course if there’s something specific you’d like to focus on.

📍 Dilla Academy, Manchester
📩 DM to book your place

Our learners are 4 weeks in to their NVQ level 2 barbering course 🔥

This group are fully committed and have once again shown us just how much consistent cutting in the early stages of a barbering journey accelerates learning and development 📈

Want to become a barber? Drop us a message 📥

💄 THE MELANIN MAKEUP COURSE (2-Day Intensive)
🤎 Inclusive artistry. Expert technique. 🤎

We’re proud to collaborate with OM Makeup Artistry & Beauty (ABT Accredited), bringing The Melanin Makeup Course to Dilla Academy, Manchester in 2026.

This specialised 2-day course is designed to help makeup artists confidently work with melanin-rich skin tones, covering the core techniques needed for flawless, professional results across all complexions.

You’ll cover:
🎨 Shade matching & undertones – correct colour theory for deeper skin tones
✨ Skin prep & base work – achieving smooth, long-lasting finishes
🌟 Highlighting, contour & correction – tailored techniques for melanin-rich skin
💋 Refined application methods – building confidence and precision across all skin types

Class sizes are capped at 4 learners to ensure close support and personalised learning. 1:1 and bespoke training is also available.

We know people work and have busy schedules, so our courses are designed to be short and easy to fit in. Training is tailored to all skill levels, and we’re happy to adapt the course if there’s something specific you’d like to focus on.

📅 Course Dates (2026):
• 14–15 March
• 11–12 July
• 26–27 September
• 28–29 November

📍 Dilla Academy, New Church House
34 John Dalton Street, Manchester

📩 DM to enquire and secure your place

🔥 SFX Prosthetics & Casting (2-Day Intensive) 🔥

Want to learn how prosthetics are really made and applied for TV, film and professional SFX work? This hands-on 2-day course takes you through the full process from sculpt to skin.

Over two days you’ll cover:

🧱 Sculpting & moulding – step-by-step creation of a small prosthetic
🧪 Silicone casting & detailing – layering, colouring and texture techniques
🎭 Application & blending – professional adhesion, seamless edges and realistic colour matching

Led by Darren Longthorne, prosthetics designer, sculptor and SFX educator with 38+ years of industry experience, with credits including Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Coronation Street, Brassic, Inside No. 9, World on Fire and more, working with major names such as Netflix, Amazon, BBC, ITV and Sky.

We know people work and have busy schedules, so our courses are designed to be short and easy to fit in. Training is tailored to all skill levels, and we’re happy to adapt the course if there’s something specific you’d like to focus on.

📍 Dilla Academy, Manchester. DM to enquire

🖌️ OUT OF KIT SFX (2-Day Weekender) 🖌️

⚡️ Fast on-set SFX techniques

Want to learn how to create realistic SFX injuries quickly, using minimal kit and real industry methods?

This 2-day weekender is all about speed, realism and practical techniques used on professional sets.

Led by Sam Helen, an SFX makeup artist and prosthetics specialist with 12+ years of industry experience, with credits across TV, theatre and commercial work. Sam has worked with major names including BBC, ITV, Coca-Cola, Rolls-Royce, Superdrug and MTV.

You’ll cover:
🖌️ Adhesives, silicone & latex basics
🩹 Realistic trauma effects – bruising, redness, irritation and minor cuts
🧴 Ageing & decay techniques – wrinkles, texture breakdown and light scarring
🎨 Professional On-Set Injury Effects: Colour Theory, Prosthetic Detail & Texturing

A fast-paced, hands-on course designed to level up your SFX skills in just one weekend.

We know people work and have busy schedules, so our courses are designed to be short and easy to fit in.

Training is tailored to all skill levels, and we’re happy to discuss if there’s something specific you’d like to focus on. We are used to people of varying levels & requirements and will flex to make sure you get maximum value from the training!

📍 Dilla Academy, Manchester
📩 DM to book your place

✨ Graduate Spotlight: Leah ✨

Leah stood out from the start with her enthusiasm and willingness to learn. After completing her NVQ Level 2, she went on to mentor new learners and is now working in a busy, high-end barbershop ✂️

A brilliant journey and a true success story, we’re proud of you, Leah 🎓💚